Most people have a weird idea NJ is stinky and ugly. We prefer you to think this so it doesn't become more populated - and overpopulated it is. Its beauty is a well kept secret, and it isn't called the Garden State for no reason.
We have gorgeous fields, rives, reservoirs, parks, hunting grounds, fishing spots, great hiking and mountain biking areas. Also, the skiing is pretty great with all the hills! One of my favorite times of year is now...the Fall. Driving the hills in NJ and staring out the window at the hills of thousands of trees with leaves of multiple colors, like a painting waiting for the perfect artist to replicate the beauty.
I grew up in a beautiful little town, Clinton, which is about a mile wide. My childhood was spent walking the main street with old antique stores and little shops. In the summer, every child's favorite pastime was walking across the waterfall in the center of town. On one side was our old Red Mill, and the other holds our small museum. Clinton is a quaint town where kids could walk a mile away at 10 years old with no fear of anything happening. In short, it was the perfect place to grow up.
After college I moved from state/city to state/city to climb that corporate ladder. I worked in NJ, NY, Baltimore MD, then near Philadelphia, PA. I was normally surrounded by tall buildings, art everywhere, a plethora of items you could shop for within walking distance, and short supply of parking (my parallel parking skills are off the charts..;-). I liked it. I liked my job, my access to various cultures.
Then, on almost a whim, I moved to Wisconsin. That's a weird story I'll give another time.
Here is the deal.... I moved to the Midwest thinking "oh, I've been exposed to SO many cultures and different types of people within cities, I should do just FINE!"
I was SO wrong.
Oh, the job I moved for ended up being wonderful. The open air and small town feel was a highly enjoyable change. This is where the comfort ended.
It appears I spoke a completely different language than the people I met (the people I now love in such a wonderful way).
"Carly I need to leave to go milk"....
"Go milk?....milk isn't a verb, it's a NOUN."
That was the first of many language issues. They continued with the continued use of phrases such as "that there desk" or "that there car", and the "Good Bye Now". NOW? I figured that was implied by the "Good Bye". I'm leaving. Do I need to reinforce that I'm leaving THIS INSTANT?
I had to learn about milking times, combining corn, different types of chickens, feeding, the different types of hunting and when they start....and so much more.
My wardrobe has changed drastically. I used to wear nice jeans and boots with heels and a classy top. Here, while outdoors, and not in town, I was looked at like a fool.
I learned I was a fool.
My clothes now are function over fashion. I am continuing to build on this as I have recently moved into the real country on several acres of land. Yup, I'm officially a country girl....
...and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Hope you enjoy my adventures as I post!
......- Newly Married and Loving It.
